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George Smith announced his retirement this morning from Australian rugby effective from the end of the S14s this year!
Phil Waugh is well passed his used by date.
Braid is a kiwi and not available for the Wallabies.
Hoiles is crap.
Salvi has gone to Japan.
That really leaves Brown and Hodgson as the backups for Pocock at 7
And I like both because they are versatile, Brown especially can play 6, 7 and 8.
I think if a Wallaby Squad was picked tomorrow for a one off, win at all costs fixture, then Phil Waugh would be on the bench to Bam.
By the end of the season then I imagine it may be Bam, Hodgson, Waugh (if he indicates he is playing on to 2011) as Brown is seen by selectors as primarily an #8 now. The trouble also is it may well be that most of this season will see Hodgson playing at #6, though it would be my preference not to.
However, for the now demand to find a long term replacement, I imagine that Deans will have a close eye on Chris Alcock NSW, Scott Higginbotham (Come home Scotty!), Poutasi Luafutu and Lei Tomiki Qld.
Brumbies will need to flash the cash again next year to compete for a decent replacement against the Rebels as without George they are a bit short... or tall as the case may be...
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
I certainly wouldn't be skiting - just means one more bidder in this years contract melee...
and that fat Paulu number 8 from NSW
As a #7![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Nope.....not for mine anyway Burgs
C'mon the![]()
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Me neither!
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
I thought McCalman (probably ballsed that spelling up?) was supposed to be a possible northern tour bolter in the back row.....
Does that make it 4!
He's a Blindside come #8, not an Openside![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
For the World Cup next year, really hope Pocock stays uninjured. Smith will be missed sorely.
Not sure if I rate Brown as an openside now, he's become more of an 8. Hodgson - I suspect he's more effective at 6 too, or at least he was last year.
There's a few young kids coming through, Hooper, Faingaa at the Brumbies and Gill at the Reds who are supposed to look the goods, but they won't be ready for a few years yet.
Higgenbottham is a 6/8, and Luafutu I think is more a 6 than a 7.
Really hope Pocock stays uninjured for the World Cup.